What a wonderful book this was. I am both a hiker and a person who lived in Southern California for the first 42 years of my life. Thus, I had access to and loved occasionally exploring the various Missions in the State.

Like no other this book offers a little something for everyone. There is the wonderful summary and history of the Missions and Junipero Serra, which actually enticed me to read more about the now saint in a fuller biography, though the one provided in this work will suffice for anyone wanting to know about him.

Then there is the historical look at what the Missions did and did not do in history. The author takes the extreme versions of history - where the clergy were all great people who worked well with native folks, and ones where there was much oppression and forced enslavery and takes it to an understandable middle - where there are humans there will be bad ones and there will be disagreement, strife and more. I felt this book did a wonderful job of providing an honest look at the Missions, their history, and where that went right and where it went awry.

Finally, the book is for the traveler and offers everything you would want if you considering some of all of these places, including intricate looks at what you might find that will surprise you and may not be widely known.

So, part bio, part history, part travel pamphlet - these elements are drawn together in a tight, enjoyable and very readable book. Whether you want to travel by armchair, or wear out some shoe leather, and/or immerse yourself into some history you will enjoy this book!

Anyone with an interest in the California missions will love this book. It is worth a read before you go and while you're there. After you can reminisce.

Saint Junipero Serra's Camino

A Pilgrimage Guide to the California Missions



by Stephen J. Binz

Franciscan Media

Servant



Christian

Pub Date 10 Feb 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing s copy of Saint Junipero Sierra's Camino through the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:

California has for a long time been known for its twenty one missions, the Sunday Service inside these missions rotate from English to Spanish and sometimes includes Vietnamese, Haitian and Portuguese.

Miguel Jose Sera was born in the city of Petra off the Eastern Coast of Spain in 1713, in his youth he was educated by the Franciscan's in his youth, he decided to pursue a career in service to the church.

The Original Saint Junipero was a thirteenth century Franciscan brother, and a companion to Saint Francis of Assisi.

Fray Junipero Sera was ordained priest in 1737 and would receive his doctorate in 1742 where he would be appointed chair in Theology at the prestigious Pontifical, Imperial, Royal, and Literary University of Mallorca, best known as the Llullian University. But the longing of his heart was to become an apostolitic missionary.

Padre Sera is considered the "Father of California". In 1783 the Father made a final pilgrimage to California, by late Summer 1784 the frail Father was dying.

Christianity was officially implanted in California on July,16, 1769 when the soldiers raised the cross and Father Sera blessed it. Amongst the earliest converts were the Native Americans.

Saint Junipero Sierra's Camino offers a pilgrimage along with a concise yet detailed history of California's twenty one missions.

Five out of five Stars

Happy Reading!!!